The indoor training ground was considerably more spacious than Worship Hall. A relatively soft carpet covered the floor, with observation spots along the edges.
Qian Daoliu and the others sat in those spots, watching the three people who had already entered the training ground.
Demon Subduing Douluo took his place in the center, and Xiao Yun stood opposite him. Between them, Azure Luan Douluo raised his hand as the referee for this match and began checking their readiness. "Jiang Mo, are you ready?"
Jiang Mo nodded to confirm that he was.
Then Azure Luan asked Xiao Yun, "Xiao Yun, are you ready?"
Xiao Yun also nodded to indicate that he was ready.
Only then did Azure Luan announce, "Begin!" Wings unfurled behind him, and he flew into the air.
Once the fight began, Demon Subduing Douluo used no soul power. Following their agreement to rely on martial arts, he moved in with short hooks to test Xiao Yun's reactions.
Xiao Yun did not retreat when he first closed in. He swept the brief flurry of attacks aside with his forearm while adjusting his footing, staying within striking distance of Demon Subduing Douluo.
After that first probe, Demon Subduing Douluo found Xiao Yun's reactions remarkably precise. Despite his slender build, he had considerable strength in his hands. Demon Subduing Douluo warned him, "Careful. I'm going to speed up."
Demon Subduing Douluo increased both the speed and power of his attacks, using successive short strikes and leg sweeps to test how quickly Xiao Yun could adjust his stance and respond effectively.
Xiao Yun was in no hurry to move out of reach. Whenever his opponent closed in, he blocked at just the right angle or slipped aside. He never deliberately widened the distance, maintaining a primarily defensive approach throughout.
Standing at the